On Saturday 11th December 2021, staff and students from Joint Honours programmes at Blackburn University Centre hosted a ‘Festive Winter Wonderland’ event for children from Blackburn Children’s University. Over eighty children in years two to six took part in a range of activities relating to books such as The Snowman, The Grinch and A Christmas Carol.
This is the latest in a number of very successful events run in partnership with Blackburn Children’s University including the Heritage Lottery funded project,’ East Lancs Childhoods: Sharing Stories, Making Memories.
Val Jessop and Sandra Nichol, joint leads on the project, said “It was great to be back with the children two years after our last face-to-face event in November 2019. On that occasion, we focused on the theme of ‘A War-time Childhood’. Since March 2020 we have delivered events online due to the pandemic but having the children back here in person was lovely.”
Sara Burton, Blackburn Children’s University manager said “It was so nice to work with the staff and students again face-to-face. They planned some fantastic activities for our CU members including a Grinch mask and a lovely bauble which they took home. Staff, students and CU members created a wreath of kind and caring messages, which went on display at the University. We cannot wait for our next activity!”
Ruqayya Hussain, Blackburn Children’s University member who attended the event said: “I loved all the activities. I love all the activities Children’s University have for us and it is the best thing ever.”
The Children’s University offers an exciting and innovative programme of high-quality learning opportunities outside normal school hours to children aged five to 11. Its main aim is to engage the wider community and at the heart of its work is the ambition to raise aspirations, boost achievement and foster a love of learning.
